We are very pleased to advise that NHS England has confirmed that Besremi is now available as a treatment option for specific people with MPNs – essential thrombocythaemia (ET), polycythaemia vera (PV) or myelofibrosis (MF) and for the duration of the Pegasys shortage.
Doctors can now consider switching to the use of Besremi as an option for specific people who are currently taking Pegasys, if supplies of Pegasys are unavailable to them.
The decision to switch to Besremi will be based on clinical need and your specific individual circumstances. If you are taking Pegasys and are worried about the shortage, ask your hospital team whether Besremi is a suitable alternative for you at your next appointment.
Using Besremi is also only a temporary solution – people will go back to Pegasys once the shortage is over. Besremi and Pegasys are considered to be equally effective.
This guidance is from NHS England. Besremi is also available in individual circumstances in Scotland and Wales – please speak to your hospital team at your next appointment. If you have difficulty accessing interferon in Northern Ireland, please also speak to your hospital team and tell us about any challenges at advocacy@mpnvoice.org.uk
Continuing to take Pegasys
If you continue to take Pegasys, your hospital team may suggest adjustments to your dose to avoid waste. Be prepared for this, but ask questions if you are concerned. Don’t change your dose of interferon, or how often you take it, without speaking to your hospital team.
If you typically use less than a whole syringe of Pegasys, don’t reuse what’s left – it is not safe.
Why is there a shortage of Pegasys?
The shortage has come about because the licence to make the drug has passed from one pharmaceutical company to another, and there are delays while the new company sets up its manufacturing processes.
The new company is committed to meeting the demand for Pegasys. The shortage is temporary and expected to last until summer or autumn 2025.
For more information on the shortage you can see the recent MPN Voice vlogcast with Professor Claire Harrison here.
